It’s instant carnage from the first notes at the Castle & Falcon in Balsall Heath. The room can barely contain the sold out crowd – this is not your normal Wednesday night.
Rather aptly for the ferocity of the mosh pit that immediately breaks out, they start with ‘Bloodsports.’ Vocalist Harry Wilkinson isn’t afraid to get involved, merrily hopping into the chaos below during ‘Break The Tension.’
The energy changes almost constantly between the gentle, atmospheric synthesised introductions and the brutal tracks that drive home their poignant lyrics. The genre fluidity of the Manchester quartet makes for a unpredictable, yet undeniably fun, live performance.
The bulk of the set list explores their debut album, ‘Pain To Power,’ released earlier this year. With themes such as inequality, mental health and fighting against the system, it’s a cross between a feel-good and rage invoking performance.
The night ends with a request to raise fists in solidarity. With Sudan. With Ukraine, with Palestine, with the women of Afghanistan. It’s a touching moment. The unique sound of Maruja has attracted a diverse audience to The Castle & Falcon tonight, but they are certainly unified by a shared common good
Brum Shots 
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